Crowding operations during salmon harvest cause measurable physiological and behavioural stress that affects welfare and product quality, requiring improved protocols.
Harvest crowding represents one of the most acute welfare events in the salmon production cycle. The combination of physical compression, oxygen depletion and anticipatory stress causes significant suffering in fish that evidence suggests are capable of experiencing pain and negative affect. Current best practice guidelines seek to minimise crowding duration and maintain water oxygenation, but implementation is inconsistent. Electronic monitoring of crowding duration and fish condition during harvest could enforce welfare standards.